In a line-spacing device for a typewriter or the like, where a platen, used as a support for the paper, is moved forward in steps by means of a ratchet it is provided for attaining a half-step transport that the gripper point (20) is seated longitudinally displaceable on the ratchet (11) in a direction approximately tangential to the toothed wheel (4) between two end positions determined by detent forces, where the detent force of the gripper point (20) is less than the force of resistance opposed by the toothed wheel (4) with the platen (1) to the drive by means of the gripper point (20) in the course of the tangential transport phase, and where the distance between the two detent end positions in the longitudinal direction corresponds to the tangential transport distance of a half transport step (t).